Plum, damson

Prunus species

Fruits and Vegetables, Trees and Shrubs, Bonsai

Soak seed, stratify 4 months, and sow 4" apart early in spring, just covered, well-drained soil essential. Needs light to germinate. If sprouts poorly, try planting and keeping seed warm for 2 weeks before stratification, or simply sow early in fall, ideally into a cold frame for protection. Purchased specimens may be planted in early spring or fall, giving roots plenty of room. Many forms are self-fertile, some self-sterile

True to type only if propagated by softwood cuttings, air layering, or by grafting: suited to side-veneer or whip grafting. Ring-bark or tourniquet air layering works but slow. Suitable for bonsai. Some plums hardy to zone 2; protect young plants during winter